Academics

Pre-College Online is a rigorous online program with in-depth projects, tight deadlines, and written assignments. Successful students are passionate artists, have a strong work ethic, and enjoy being challenged. 

There are no prerequisites. Anyone who can commit to attending live sessions and completing the coursework may enroll. We welcome enthusiastic beginners as eagerly as we welcome advanced students. Students may complete Pre-College Online more than once. However, all students must take both courses each time. We do not offer waivers.

Homework for all courses is substantial, so adjust your schedule accordingly. Carefully consider the workload, which is about 20 hours per week total, and be mindful of competing outside activities (sports, SAT preparation, and vacations). 

All artists and designers, at every stage in their career, need the advice and perspective of others. Practice presenting your work, receiving constructive criticism, and analyzing the work of others.

Courses that include figure drawing use anatomical images of the human figure. These images portray nude bodies to build an understanding of kinesthetics and anatomy of the human form.

The last week of class consists of final critiques and presentations to your class and instructors. Attendance in final classes and completion of final projects account for a major portion of your final grade. Skipping the final meeting or not completing the final project may result in a failing grade and loss of a certificate of completion. 

Learn more about grades and transcripts

What makes an animation compelling? In part, it’s the beauty and wonder of witnessing drawings and inanimate objects come to life. The real hook is the story–memorable characters, a relatable situation, and a message that is both personal and universal. Exercises such as the flipbook will introduce basic concepts. The principles of animation will provide guidance as you create shorts using hand-drawn and papercut approaches. You’ll also incorporate sounds to add narrative or emphasize a mood. Let your imagination amplify a message that matters to you, and make something that will resonate with your audience. Your portfolio will portray your new skills as a visual storyteller and researcher, as well as your technical abilities as an artist.

Learning outcomes: 

• Identify and apply the principles of animation.
• Conduct research and make prototypes for an animation sequence.
• Use analog animation techniques in combination with digital tools to create compelling stories.

This course meets on Wednesdays at 9 am–12 pm EDT.

Graphic designers do so much more than design logos. They take information and make it easily understandable in a visual format. They can translate complex data, such as time or location, and make it accessible. Just as importantly, they can do so while making it aesthetically pleasing and playful. Start by analyzing and interpreting what story lives in your data. Then, use concepts like hierarchy and Gestalt principles to brainstorm your design. Using visual characteristics, translate complex material into readable maps, graphs, and diagrams. Play with variables like perception, transparency, and distortion. You will learn and apply a range of methods in both analog (handmaking) and digital tools.

Learning outcomes: 

• Analyze and interpret data to find the underlying story.
• Brainstorm and iterate several ideas to develop your visual language.
• Present a story or message in an easy-to-understand visual format using Gestalt principles and design elements.

This course meets on Wednesdays at 8–11 pm EDT.

Illustration crosses all boundaries in materials and messaging. What sets an illustration apart is the style and voice of the artist. Elevate your style using your unique life perspective as inspiration. Unlearn templates created by others and develop your own rendering style. Draw from observation and experiment with different processes for interest and originality. Derive narratives inspired by your personal life experience and identity. Mixed-media assignments may include a mix of graphite, ink, and paint.

Learning outcomes: 

• Convey action and narrative in an image or image sequence.
• Develop an approach to drawing that is based on your own observations and processes.
• Create expressive work that is rooted in personal experience.

This course meets on Wednesdays at 8–11 pm EDT.

The figure is an enduring source of inspiration in expressing the human experience. Through gesture and symbolism, artists use the human body to tell stories about identity, life, death, and beauty. This drawing-focused course begins with proportions of the human body and key anatomical landmarks, and then leads students in how to layer and abstract the form to create expressive drawings.

Supplement your anatomical drawing lessons with readings and discussions. Move beyond conventional lessons on the skeleton into cultural and historical interpretations of the figure. By the end, you will be able to create figurative drawings that are rich with meaning.

Learning outcomes: 

• Capture accurate proportions using landmarks of the human body.
• Produce expressive gestural drawings.
• Convey meaning through creative decision making.

This course meets on Wednesdays at 12:30–3:30 pm EDT.

Embrace the tactile nature of paint. Despite advances in technology such as photography and AI, paint endures as an artist favorite. Take a break from screens and computer-generated images and enjoy this sensory refuge. Using acrylic paint, practice with a variety of subject matter ranging from still lifes to landscapes. Scumble, layer, and blur with your brush to form an image rich with texture and color. Experiment with color combinations and interesting brushstrokes. By integrating subject matter that is important to you, you will create meaningful work that is undeniably human.

Learning outcomes: 

• Understand and manipulate the properties of acrylic paint.
• Demonstrate competency in portraying form, proportion, value, and light.
• Make expressive decisions regarding composition, color, and texture.

This course meets on Wednesdays at 9 am–12 pm EDT. 

Presented by the Center for Arts & Language

The artist statement is an often overlooked aspect of application preparation. While art speaks for itself in many ways, a statement can unlock deeper meaning for the viewer. Join us for a conversation on what every artist statement should include, and the different approaches artists take. This webinar will share prompts to get you started and other writing tips. You’ll then have the right information to make an artist statement that effectively explains the intention behind your work.

Presented by RISD Careers

A successful portfolio takes preparation. What images are most useful? What order should you put them in? What should you leave out? How do you take a good picture? What will your reviewer want to know, and what questions do you have for them? Receive guidance on these common questions and learn what you should do to make the most of your portfolio review time. 

This information session is for students who are interested in applying to RISD. We will share up-to-date information about financial aid, student employment, and visas. Attending Pre-College Online does not guarantee acceptance to RISD, but if you are accepted, you will know where to find resources to help you attend.

Presented by RISD Pre-College

Hear from a panel of current RISD students to gain insight about what you might expect from the culture on campus and the academic experience. This is your chance to hear directly from other young people who are currently attending RISD or are recent alumni.

Pre-College Online participants will have online access to other extracurricular talks from the on-campus program.